Firefighters attend over 200 incidents on Bonfire Night

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable bonfire weekend ahead!

Numerous organised bonfire and fireworks displays have already taken place across West Yorkshire last night which have been successful and safe events.

WYFRS is now reminding people that it is always best to attend an organised event and there are some great opportunities to be had this weekend to enjoy the traditions safely, whilst supporting local charities and community groups.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton said: “We are pleased that Bonfire Night has passed with no major incidents across West Yorkshire.

“Numerous organised Bonfire Night events have been enjoyed by thousands of people in a controlled and safe environment and we would urge people to attend these public events over the forthcoming weekend.

“As expected we have seen an increase in activity across the brigade with over 200 incidents attended by firefighters in the 24-hours between the morning of November 5 and November 6.

“In total 80 of those have been fires in the open where refuse and items such as household furniture and wheelie bins have been indiscriminately set alight. Not only does this pose a risk to the public but it ties up our resources unnecessarily and setting light to items such as plastic can be damaging to the environment.

“People can help the Fire Service by ensuring that wheelie bins and rubbish is not left at the roadside to become a target for this kind of irresponsible and illegal activity.

“We will be working alongside police over the forthcoming weekend to ensure community safety.”

If you insist on having your own bonfire:

 Keep bonfires small and manageable and build them away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and bushes.

 Never use flammable liquids – paraffin or petrol – to light the fire.